Probiotics for Enhanced Tissue Carotenoid Status: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Microbiology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Skin carotenoid status (SCS) reflects carotenoid intake and metabolism.
• Probiotics are known to improve micronutrient status, but their effect on carotenoids is unstudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if B. subtilis Rosell®-179 potentiates carotenoid supplementation's effect on SCS and health markers.
• To assess the impact of a probiotic and carotenoid combination on skin health and antioxidant capacity.

Main Methods:

• A 10-week double-blind RCT with 37 premenopausal women.
• Participants received mixed carotenoids plus either B. subtilis Rosell®-179 or placebo.
• Skin carotenoid status (SCS) was the primary outcome; plasma carotenoids and skin health markers were secondary.

Main Results:

• SCS increased in both groups, with a trend towards a greater increase with the probiotic (p=0.056).
• Plasma carotenoids increased initially but plateaued.
• No significant changes were observed in antioxidant capacity, immune status, or skin health markers.

Conclusions:

• B. subtilis Rosell®-179 shows potential for enhancing SCS in healthy premenopausal women.
• The probiotic may augment the benefits of carotenoid supplementation on skin carotenoid levels.